Alibaba.com Releases ‘Trade Assurance’ in South Korea ——Supporting Sellers to Expand Overseas

(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Reporter Jeong Pil-jung — Alibaba.com, a leading Chinese B2B (business-to-business) platform, is launching its Trade Assurance service in South Korea to empower domestic sellers in expanding their global market reach.

The service combines online data-driven arbitration with Escrow (payment escrow) solutions to guarantee transaction fulfillment, creating a secure environment for cross-border trade.

At a press briefing held on the 7th at the Shilla Palace Hotel in Yeoksam-dong, Summer Yang, Alibaba.com’s Global Business Development Director, emphasized the platform’s commitment to becoming a trusted partner for SMEs entering global markets. "We aim to deepen our localization strategy in Korea while actively supporting SMEs in leveraging digital tools to achieve international growth," Yang stated.

Key Features of Trade Assurance

1. Secure Transaction Process

• Buyers complete payments upon purchase, which are held in Alibaba.com’s Escrow system until they confirm receipt of goods (within a set timeframe).
• Free enrollment for sellers; a 4% transaction fee applies (capped at $100 per transaction).

1. Competitive Advantages for Sellers

• Participating sellers gain improved platform visibility and higher search rankings as their transaction history accumulates.
• The service fosters a positive feedback loop, driving trust and repeat business.

1. Dispute Resolution

• Alibaba.com’s Supply Chain Director, Summer Gao, highlighted the platform’s data-driven arbitration:"We guide buyers and sellers to submit evidence of issues they face, enabling efficient resolution of disputes caused by miscommunication. Digital records at each transaction stage ensure transparency."

1. Localized Support

• Following the opening of its Seoul office, Alibaba.com expanded to Busan in June 2025 to enhance regional accessibility for SMEs.
• Summer Yang noted: "The Busan office eliminates travel burdens for southern companies seeking consulting services."
• No plans for logistics centers in Busan: "Alibaba.com focuses on empowering local businesses to expand exports, not direct logistics operations," Yang clarified.

Promotional Offers

To celebrate the service launch, Alibaba.com is offering:

• Fee waivers for the first 3 successful transactions for new sellers signing up by March 31, 2026.
• 50% discount (2% fee) on transaction costs for Premium-tier paid members.

Why This Matters for Korean SMEs

Alibaba.com’s Trade Assurance addresses critical pain points in cross-border trade:

• Risk Mitigation: Escrow ensures payment only after delivery.
• Market Credibility: Enhanced visibility and arbitration support build buyer trust.
• Cost Efficiency: Promotional discounts lower entry barriers for SMEs.

This launch aligns with Alibaba.com’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Korea, providing SMEs with tools to compete globally while fostering local partnerships.

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